But I also have a set of straight end hex screwdrivers, since starting a hex head screw with a straight screwdriver is a lot easier than with a ball end screwdriver, as it doesn’t flop around on the driver, but rather it aims straight into the hole. Also, the ball end strips much sooner than a straight end does.

Haven’t used them much yet, but I have other tools from this company and they are good quality for the price. Mostly made in Japan. These are ball end too and very handy. Not for heavy duty use, though. I bought these from Ebay .

If there is hardware blocking the wrench access, that is a good sign that whatever you are working on is poorly designed.
But as for hex wrenches, I would advise splurging a little and going with Bondhus, or even Wiha or Elora. Even fairly high end hex wrenches are pretty affordable. Cheap ones will start to develop a twist, round off or even break, but good ones last forever.
My favorite are Elora hex sockets. I have a full set, and love them.
Also, it is an enormous time savings to keep some of this on hand- https://www.amazon.com/3M-08578-Black-Strip-Calk/dp/B000PEZ1L4
If you put a tiny bit of this on the wrench or in the hex part of the bolt, the bolt will stay stuck to the wrench until it is started. It never hardens, so it can always be cleaned off.

Bondhus Ball End Socket Bits fit any standard six point socket. They insert into a screw at a 25 degree angle and save time by quickly funneling tool into the screw. Ball End Socket Bits provide super ...

Very cool! I always wondered what the ball end was for. Two items in my toolbox that have come in surprisingly handy are the flexible claw grabber (for picking up dropped screws in tight places) and the hose pick tool for separating stuck hoses, scraping, etc.